Relocation 101: Planning Your Peak Season Move

Studies have shown that in the United States, more than 40 million people relocate each year, on average. Further, an estimated 80% of those moves occur between April and September, with June, July and August typically being the busiest months. Those of us in the moving business call this time of year, “peak season.”

If you are planning a move during the summer months, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible. So, we asked the experts here at King Relocation Services, for their advice on how to make the most of your “peak season” move and here are five tips:

• Research and Schedule Relocation Resources. As soon as you know you are going to be relocating, start researching movers and set a deadline for hiring a relocation company. A typical best practice is to reserve relocation resources at least two weeks in advance, but if you must move on a specific date or time, we recommend booking as early as possible. If you are having trouble finding the right moving company, ask friends, family and co-workers for referrals. Angie’s List, Yelp and other services also offer referrals and reviews that can be helpful in selecting a mover. Also, you may want to consider contacting your local Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau to learn more about the relocation firms you are considering. Taking this final step will help you ensure that you are hiring a reputable and trusted mover.
• Understand Your Requirements and Expectations. Before you contact a moving company, know exactly what you are going to be moving and how you want to move it. For example, if you are downsizing to a smaller home and want to place items in storage, you’ll need to share that information with the moving company. Are you planning to relocate a vehicle? You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of shipping the vehicle versus driving it to your new location. See our blog post on this topic for more insights from our relocation experts.
• Set a Budget. Know in advance how much you are willing to spend on your relocation. If your employer is paying for your move they will have provided you with a budget. If you are funding the relocation yourself, you’ll want to have a ball-park figure in mind so that the relocation firm can tailor the estimate and ensure your move is coming in on budget. If you are on a strict budget, they can also make recommendations on how to stretch the dollars you have to spend.
• Be Flexible. During “peak season,” the moving company you select may not be able to accommodate your desired moving date. Further, it could be more expensive due to high demand, especially if it is close to a major holiday. Be willing to consider other options such as sliding your moving date a few days either way. Keep in mind that the busiest times for moving companies are the beginning and end of the month. Also, weekends tend to be busier because movers want to take advantage of time off work for local and/or short distance moves. If you can, schedule a mid-week move. As an added bonus, you may find there are cost-advantages and more resources available during this time.
• Don’t hire “rogue” movers. The “best” deal isn’t always the “right” deal. Don’t put you, or your family at risk by letting just anyone relocate your household goods. Only the professionals will have the experience needed to quickly and efficiently relocate you and your family.

At King Relocation Services, we know that moving can be stressful for you and your family, and we are here to help with your next “peak season” (or otherwise) household move.

Contact us today and speak to one of our customer service coordinators who are standing by and ready to help you plan your move from start-to-finish. From the initial site visit, to ensuring that you understand your rights and responsibilities as a mover, to our clean, marked vehicles and friendly staff, we are committed to ensuring that your next move is your best move.

And, if you do select what you think is the “best deal” for your relocation, and get taken by a “rogue mover,” we can help!  As an agent of United Van Lines, we participate in a program called Move Rescue. Backed by a national network of attorneys, we help consumers recover their household goods from rogue movers, then we deliver them to your destination at no cost.

About King Companies
As an agent of United Van Lines, King Companies has the resources and expertise to be your “go-to” resource for all relocation needs. Whether you are relocating your household, moving an office, or are in need of logistics services, we strive to ensure that your next move will be the best you will ever make. Call us today at 800-854-3679 to learn more.

We hope that you will consider King Companies for your future relocation needs. To learn more about our services, visit is at www.kingcompaniesusa.com. And, don’t forget to connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ for our latest news and updates!